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Kent State Student Choreographers Highlight New Dance Works in "The Light Within Us"

Posted Feb. 27, 2014

Kent State University’s School of Theatre and Dance will continue its 2013-14 production season with the B.F.A. Senior Dance Concert/Student Dance Festival: The Light Within Us. The concert will run March 14-16, with Program A at 8 p.m. March 14 and at 2 p.m. March 15 and Program B at 8 p.m. March 15 and 2 p.m. March 16, in the Erdmann-Zucchero Theatre located at 1325 Theatre Drive in the Center for the Performing Arts (formerly Music and Speech). For tickets call 330-672-ARTS (2787), purchase online at www.dance.kent.edu or in person at the Performing Arts Box Office located in the Roe Green Center lobby at 1325 Theatre Drive, Monday – Friday, Noon to 5 pm. Tickets are $16 for adults, $14 for Kent State University alumni, faculty and staff, $12 for seniors (60+) and non-Kent State students age 18 and under are $8. Tickets for full-time, Kent campus undergraduates are free of charge. Groups of 10 or more can purchase tickets for $10 per person. The box office accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, checks, and cash. Free parking is available and the theatre is fully accessible.

The Light Within Us presents 16 pieces of original choreography created by juniors and seniors who are pursuing either a major or a minor within Kent State’s Dance Division. In addition, senior B.F.A. Dance Performance major Katie Scekeres will perform a solo entitled ‘Mars’ from Celestial Celebration, choreographed by KSU Associate Professor Barbara Allegra Verlezza and her husband, Sabatino Verlezza. The work originally premiered in New York in 1993, and was recently performed by KSU dancers in the fall faculty concert, Dance ’13: This Time.

Grey Area(s), choreographed by Katie Scekeres explores universal human issues, such as mental illness, drug use and abuse, and the subsequent effects on family, friends and society at large. This piece uses strong, dynamic movements and moments of tension as metaphors for the profound struggle to overcome such challenges.

Dance Hall Dolls will take the audience back in time to the 1920s and 30s when big bands were roarin' and dance halls were hoppin'. Choreographed by Ashley Lain, this piece combines quirky, contemporary movement with authentic dance hall steps. High energy and whirls of color fill the stage as the couples dance the night away.

insert dolphin sound here (nomz)* is a playful exploration of consumption, social media and daily interactions. Choreographed by Marcia Custer in conjunction with the performers, it is an interplay between dance and theatre. Set to music by Dan Deacon, it’s an exciting romp that will make you want to move!

Side by Side; Miles Apart, a duet choreographed by Shayna Fischer, was inspired by her relationship with her sister. The piece will include a progression of growing up and going separate ways, ultimately revealing that their bond withstands both time and distance.

The B.F.A. Senior Dance Concert/Student Dance Festival: The Light Within Us offers audiences a wide selection of dance forms ranging from modern to jazz. In addition, each piece examines and expresses a variety of topics, emotions, ideas and social issues. In this culminating concert, the student choreographers premiere original and engaging works. They each bring something new to the stage while simultaneously incorporating and reflecting their education and experiences at Kent State University.